Dec 02 2017

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N.K.Viswanathan

TRIBUTE: SHRI. N.K.VISWANATHAN CINEMATOGRAPHER / DIRECTOR

Veteran Cinematographer NK Viswanathan was popular for his works as Cinematographer for films like ‘Kalyanaraaman’. He holds the record of doing more than100 feature films which is a remarkable benchmark in the history of film industry in any part of the globe.
A native of Madurai, he is fondly called as NKV. He started his career as a Cinematographer in the Tamil film ’Uyarndhavargal’ in 1977 directed by T. N. Balu, starring Kamal Hassan and Sujatha in lead roles. The film was shot in black and white which is the remake of the much acclaimed Hindi film ‘Koshish’ starring Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bhaduri.

His cinematography in G.N.Rangarajan’s ‘Kalyanaraman’ was much appreciated where Kamal Hassan enacted dual roles. His mask work Cinematography technique for the dual roles in outdoor location was precise. He even filmed dual roles with trolley movement. Today, we depend on motion rig control cameras.
As cinematographer, he has long association with producer and director Shri. RamaNarayanan. They both together did many commercial entertainment feature films.
He was versatile to adopt from black and white era to color cinematography and has set a benchmark for special effect cinematography. He has also handled animals, snakes while filming some feature films.
He ventured into Direction in the later part of his career. He did both Cinematography and also directed the mega budget feature film ‘Enaintha Kaigal’ in association with Shri. Aabavaanan.
SELECT FILMOGRAPHY AS CINEMATOGRAPHER
Uyarthavargal (1977)
Sattam En Kaiyil(1978)
Kalyanaraman(1979)
Meendum Kokila(1981)
Kadal Meengal(1981)
Sankarlal(1981)
Ellam Inba Mayyam(1981)
Karaiyellam Shenbagapoo(1981)
Manaivi Solle Manthiram(1983)
Engal Kural(1985)
Urimai(1985)
Sahadevan Mahadevan(1988)
Thangamani Rangamani(1989)
Paandi Nattu Thangam(1989)
Sendhoora Devi(1991)
Purushan Enakku Arasan(1992)
Kaviya Thalaivan(1992)
Thirupathi Ezhumalai Venkatesa(1999)
Rajakali Amman(2000)
Kuberan(2000)
Palayathu Amman(2000)
Nageswari(2001)
Viswanathan Ramamoorthy(2001)
Kottai Mariamman(2001)
Annai Kaligambal(2003)
Mannin Maindhan(2005)
Jagan Mohini (2009)

Shri. NK Viswanathan was also the former President of the Southern India Cinematographers Association.
He was honoured with ‘Kalaimaamani’ award by the Government of Tamil Nadu for his contribution to the film Industry.
CJ RAJKUMAR
Author/Cinematographer

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